Local Headline News

8:41 AM - February 21st, 2018

ATTENTION: Spectrum Cable has switched to all digital. If you can not receive us on channel 2, you can find us on channel 1021 or 1022 on your digital box, depending on the area you live in.

All 7 games of the IVC Boys Basketball Showcase will be broadcaston Saturday, Feb. 24, beginning at 9 a.m.

Local Dept. Sends Flooding Tips
Tuscarawas County, Ohio (WTUZ) – With more rain in the forecast, the Tuscarawas County Health Department is offering tips about flooding. Director of Environmental Health Caroline Terakedis explains that homeowners should be aware if their home septic system becomes flooded. “Which is, essentially, if your yard is flooded. One of the things you want to avoid is pumping that septic system when the ground is saturated because even those really heavy concrete tanks can float up out of the ground.” She adds that if you are in a flood zone or know that your basement is vulnerable to flooding, one tip to save on damage cost is to purchase a sump pump. Terakedis adds you should also be careful when cleaning up after a flood. “You want to be careful with the food you may have stored in your basement if there was flood water. You also want to be careful that your well has been disinfected if it has been exposed to flood water.” Go to www.tchdnow.org for more information and tips to protect your home from flooding. - Mary Alice Reporting

Speeds Reach Over 100mph in Police Chase
Mineral City, Ohio (WTUZ) – Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to a Tuesday high-speed chase involving two motorcycles. Tuscarawas County Sheriff Sgt. Bruce Lowery explains that he initiated a traffic stop at 12:20pm on High Street in Mineral City, near the school zone. “Where the lights were flashing yellow which reduced it to a 20 mph speed limit. When I observed two motorcycles coming south and the one, just as it passed me, passed the car on the left-hand side of a double yellow line.” The State Route 800 chase continued into Dover on city streets where Lowery notes they were going through stop signs, traffic lights, and going across the center line. The two drivers then reached Interstate 77 and headed northbound. “There was an excess of 100. I know at one point they were approaching 150 mph on 77. We continued up to the county line where our units disregarded at that time.” Assisting were law enforcement officials from Dover, Strasburg, Bolivar, and Troopers with the State Highway Patrol. - Mary Alice Reporting

Harrison County Crash Claims a Life
Scio, Ohio (WTUZ) – A crash involving a motorcycle and a vehicle takes a life in Harrison County. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, just after 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday 60-year-old Brian Williams of Dellroy was traveling westbound on SR 151 near Scio on a motorcycle. The motorcycle reportedly crossed the center line and into the path of an eastbound vehicle driven by 56-year-old Charles Harris of Scio. Williams was pronounced dead at the scene. Harris suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene. The crash remains under investigation. - Michaela Madison Reporting

Sheriff’s Office Sends Active Shooter Message
Wooster, Ohio (WTUZ) – The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office is sharing a few tips with the community when it comes to an active shooter situation in schools. Captain Doug Hunter explained that they ask that administrators do away with code words and confusing language. “We’ve gotten away from advocating the use of code words such as ‘code red,’ or ‘code yellow,’” said Hunter. “Those types of sayings might trigger a lockdown, but they do not share any useful information. What we recommend, say something simple like ‘there is a man with a shotgun in the lobby.’” He noted he understands that may be surprising information, but it important people get details of the situation as quickly as possible. Captain Hunter explained that the first approach when reacting to an active shooter situation should be to exit the building but noted that isn’t always possible. “Remaining in a classroom, locking that classroom door, barricading that door with everything imaginable that is in that room,” said Hunter. “We do not advocate that students huddle up on the floor, try to hide under a desk. I advocate that they stay on their feet, that they are at least able to present themselves as a moving target. And, they can launch a full on attack on this person.” Hunter added that it is critical that people are immediately aware of what is happening so to allow time to react appropriately. - Michaela Madison Reporting

Red Cross Explains Home Fire Response
New Philadelphia, Ohio (WTUZ) – The local American Red Cross works to provide support and resources to the victims of home fires throughout the area. Jim McIntyre with the Red Cross noted how devastating a home fire can be. “One of the most traumatic experiences one can face. Fortunately, we have a strong, dedicated volunteer base,” he said. McIntyre explained those volunteers work closely with local agencies to ensure those affected receive as much support as possible. “We send volunteers who have been trained to talk to folks who have been traumatized by these tragic events, ask them what their needs are, assess those needs and then give them immediate financial assistance to use in whatever way they deem necessary.” McIntyre added that money may be used for lodging, clothing or food. He says the Red Cross isn’t designed to help families recover long-term, but to help victims of home fire during their time of immediate need. - Michaela Madison Reporting

Local EMA to Offer Training for Local Governments
New Philadelphia, Ohio (WTUZ) – This week the Tuscarawas County Emergency Management Agency will host training for local governments. EMA Director, Alex McCarthy, says the training will focus on continuity of operations planning. How do we write an effective plan for local government?” Said McCarthy. “Then we’re going to work from that to basically develop our own county continuity of operations plan from there. We’ve got a draft version that’s already been created, but we want to build on that and have something official to hold on file.” The training will be this Wednesday, February 21st. - Michaela Madison Reporting

Hospital to Host Free Health Screen
Newcomerstown, Ohio (WTUZ) – Trinity Hospital Twin City is gearing up for the next free health screen in Newcomerstown. The hospital’s Community Outreach Department will host a free hemoglobin A1C health screen on Wednesday, February 28th. The screening is a blood test that measures blood sugar levels over three months. A1C screenings can reveal how well a person is managing his/her diabetes. These screenings can also reveal if a person is at risk for diabetes. Officials note no appointment is necessary to participate and fasting is not required.
The event will be held from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Journey’s End Ministries Food Pantry on River Street in Newcomerstown. For more information call 740-922-7450, ext. 2124. - Michaela Madison Reporting

BCC Student Designs Represented at Conferences
New Philadelphia, Ohio (WTUZ) – Two Buckeye Career Center students will have their artwork displayed at the state and national SkillsUSA conferences. Public Relations Coordinator Shyanne Carroll says that Senior Mackenie Petrie, of Strasburg, will have her t-shirt design worn by around 4,000 student and advisors at the competitions in April. Junior Miranda Vega, from Tusky, took first place in the Ohio pin design and in the banner contest, and she notes the theme is about jobs and careers. “When you think of champions I thought of a trophy so I found a picture this person holding a trophy, and I thought that would be cool so I put that on there. Then I took the state of Ohio and it looks like all these people are reaching for the trophy.” At the SkillsUSA national convention in Kentucky, Vega’s pin could be purchased and trade reaching 16,000 students. - Mary Alice Reporting

TV2 broadcast crew gets a workout at the boys basketball IVC Showcase
Uhrichsville, Ohio (TR) - Scott Robinson and Jared Hall might be a liitle hoarse this morning. Robinson and Hall called all seven games of the inaugural Inter-Valley Conference Showcase for boys basketball Saturday in Claymont High School in Uhrichsville. Robinson provided the play-by-play and Hall the color commentary for the games on Channel 2 (1021 on Spectrum Cable). The daylong event began at 10 a.m. with Newcomerstown vs. Conotton Valley and ended with the game between Indian Valley and Strasburg, which started after 8 p.m. “It was my idea -- good or bad,” Hall said about broadcasting all seven games. “I think it will be a lot of fun.” Keith Joki, Director of Video Production, Digital Marketing Group/TV2, said it will be a long day, but worth it. “As far as we know, no local broadcaster has done that many games in a row,” said Joki. “We're looking forward to it.” The marathon basketball event Saturday pitted the teams that finished from top to bottom in the North and South Divisions of the IVC.

Sentence Handed Down in Theft Case
New Philadelphia, Ohio (WTUZ) – A Uhrichsville man receives a two-year community corrections sentence for a 2017 theft. Tuscarawas County Assistant Prosecutor Mike Ernest says that 29-year-old Robert Gray was charged with theft and receiving stolen property. “This case stems from an incident in the summer of 2017 where he takes an all-terrain vehicle from a residence here in Tuscarawas County along with a co-defendant.” Gray was ordered to the Stark Regional Community Control program and to pay $210 in restitution. - Mary Alice Reporting

Woman Sentenced for Drug Manufacturing
New Philadelphia, Ohio (WTUZ) – A 29-year-old charged with possessing tools and chemicals for drug manufacturing receives community corrections sentence. Tuscarawas County Assistant Prosecutor Mike Ernest explains that Jenna Dunlap was arrested in February 2017. “These are crimes in which people have the materials to make a drug, and in this case it was methamphetamines.” Dunlap received 2-years Community Control Sanctions and a prison sentence was selected but not enforced unless she would not continue to receive treatment. - Mary Alice Reporting

Democrat Resignation Submitted to Elections Board
Tuscarawas County, Ohio (WTUZ) – A Democrat running for Ohio Secretary of State pulls out of the race and nominations are open. The Tuscarawas County Democratic party will hold a meeting Monday, February 19th beginning at 6:45pm for regular business and to elect a Board of Elections Member to replace Space. Nominations will be open on the floor for the Committee to elect a replacement, pending a background check. The Toledo Blade reports that Zack Space is the most likely Democratic candidate for state auditor due to his political advantages against Republican opponent, State Representative Keith Faber. - Mary Alice Reporting

Missing Teen Found Safe
Uhrichsville, Ohio (WTUZ)– A 16-year-old boy reported missing to the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office yesterday is found safe. According to the teen’s mother, he was found safe Thursday evening, but no further information has been made available. The missing person report was filed after the teen was seen on surveillance video leaving Claymont High School around 9:00 a.m - Michaela Madison Reporting

Former Kent State Tusc Dean Honored at United Way Banquet
New Philadelphia, Ohio (WTUZ) – Small and large companies were recognized for their continued service and support to United Way of Tuscarawas County. Among the many Thursday recognitions, was the 2017 Vic Marsh Annual Service Award presented to Dr. Gregg Andrews, of Massillon, who retired from Kent State University Tuscarawas as Dean in 2014. “It’s very humbling. Certainly an honor, to be in the prestigious company of all of the award winners of this wonderful award. I just want to thank everyone for their support and this wonderful recognition.” On Wednesday, Tuscarawas County Commissioners recognized United Way’s 75th anniversary and how they are dedicated to improving the lives in the county. In 2017, United Way distributed over $458,000 to local agencies, including Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Harbor House, 2-1-1, Youth Assistance, and T-4-C. Go to www.tuscunitedway.org for more information about the organization. - Mary Alice Reporting

23-Year-Old Sentenced for Unlawful Sexual Conduct
New Philadelphia, Ohio (WTUZ) – A Newcomerstown man receives a sentence on a fourth-degree felony. Tuscarawas County Assistant Prosecutor Mike Ernest explained Brian Glazer, 23, was charged with unlawful sexual conduct with a minor from a June 2017 incident. Glazer received his sentence Thursday afternoon to two-years to the community control sanctions program and a four month incarceration at the Stark Regional Community Corrections Center. - Mary Alice Reporting

Argument Waived for Man Serving Sentence
New Philadelphia, Ohio (WTUZ) – A 31-year-old man currently serving a prison term is asking for an appeal stating he deserves jail credit for a separate sentence. Tuscarawas County Assistant Prosecutor Mike Ernest explains that Japierre Morris is currently serving a prison term for a previous incident in Portage County. “He spent a lot of time in the Portage County Jail. He thought that he was entitled to get jail time credit in this county.” Ernest argues against the appeal stating jail credit is not all inclusive for every case an individual may have.
Once Morris completes his time for the Portage County case, he will then serve eight years in prison for a July 2016 shooting in Port Washington. Judges with the 5th District Court of Appeals will now consider if time spent in the Portage Jail can be credited in the shooting sentence. - Mary Alice Reporting

Community Concerned Over Possible Apartment Complex
New Philadelphia, Ohio (WTUZ) – Southside community members are asking county commissioners to not offer sewer and water services to a proposed apartment building in Goshen Township. Tuscarawas County Commissioners met previously with A-1 Developers to discuss the construction of an apartment complex with a senior living facility and a wastewater treatment plant to be built along Goshen Hill Road SE, on a section of the 416 Sand and Gravel property. New Philadelphia city residents gathered at Wednesday’s meeting, including Shirley Calhoun who expressed her concern for property values and the possible odor from the sewage facility. Ken Hicks noted his concerns also over property values and the living setting. “Also, the safety of the people and its things like that concern me. It’s not everywhere [but] what I’m saying is that safety forces of this city I’m sure, have a lot on their plate and I feel that if a complex comes in then there’s going to be repercussion.” J.J. Boroski explained he is not concerned over the 60 plus people the mostly single-unit apartments would house; however, he’s worried about long-term property care. “If you have a property owner that does not invest the money they earn back into the property we all know what happens, it gets run down. If we have a property owner that doesn’t enforce rules and regulations that leads to what everybody else is fearing.” Commissioner Kerry Metzger said they are gathering information and doing their part to make an informed decision on whether the county can maintain and operate the utilities. “The problem is, you can have New Philadelphia opposition to it, you can have the county opposition, but in the end, because there’s not zoning there that private property can be developed and they would just have to meet whatever regulations.” Currently, a financial feasibility study is being conducted by the county and a timeline was not immediately available. - Mary Alice Reporting

Stabbing Suspect to Remain in Jail
New Philadelphia, Ohio (WTUZ) – The Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Court ruled that a man accused of stabbing a Dover resident is a risk to the community and is to be held without bail. 37-year-old Joshua Barron, of Dover, is charged with attempted murder and felonious assault, appeared before Judge Edward O’Farrell Wednesday afternoon for a bail hearing, but before making a final decision, the prosecutor and the defense presented witness testimony referring to the February 3rd incident. Dover Police Detective Jason Peters recounted his police station interview with Barron. “He did agree he went out that night. He basically told me he’s a regular at Factory Street Bar and Grill. He wanted to know why we were talking. I advised him what the accusations were. He said he was an alcoholic and that he has blackouts. He says he doesn’t remember anything from the time he left the bar until the officers were taking him into custody at his home.” Barron became emotional when Judge O’Farrell order him back to the Tuscarawas County Jail without bail. “I can just imagine someone living next door to you, with the charges in this case, knowing that you are released, not experiencing significant angst about the possibility that you would consume alcohol, go into a blackout, and cause harm to them. It’s just not something I’m willing to risk. According to Detective Peters, the victim, Nick Hershberger, who is now recovering, suffered one stab wound to the chest, which hit two arteries and a lung, and put the victim in a life-threatening situation. - Mary Alice Reporting

Deactivation Bags Still Available to Residents
New Philadelphia, Ohio (WTUZ) – The Anti-Drug Coalition is still distributing deactivation bags to the public in an effort to remove the unused prescription medication from homes. Jodi Salvo with the Coalition explained that the bags include technology that deactivates prescription drug medication. “You open up the prescription drug pouch; you pour in your unused, unwanted prescription medication; you fill the pouch halfway up with warm water, and you leave the pouch open for 30 seconds,” she said. “Then you can seal it at 30 seconds and you can actually throw it right into your trash can and it’s environmentally safe at that point.” She noted that they encourage residents to dispose of several specific prescription medications. “Were really asking that people dispose of prescription opioids, which would be your painkillers; anti-anxieties; anti-depressions; and stimulant drugs because those are really the drugs of abuse in our community.” For more information about the Anti-Drug Coalition’s efforts or how to obtain a deactivation bag visit adc-tusc.com. - Michaela Madison Reporting

Man Convicted of Sexual Relationship with Teen
Wayne County, Ohio (WTUZ) – A man is convicted of having a relationship with a 14-year-old girl in Wayne County. Wayne County Sheriff’s Captain Doug Hunter confirmed that the arrest came following a recent incident and an investigation that’s been underway since 2016. “It appeared that a 43-year-old man wrote a note for a 14-year-old girl to get her out of school early,” he said. “That is what lead to a two-day jury trial, which came to conclusion [Tuesday] with the man being found guilty of, essentially, having sex with this 14-year-old girl.” He said the Judge presiding over the case is expected to issue a presentencing investigation. “This will allow the judge to have a more educated background into the man’s past and make a more appropriate sentencing decision.” Captain Hunter noted that the court does not consider a 14-year-old child to legally consent to such a relationship. - Michaela Madison Reporting

Canton Man Named in “Dangerous Dozen”
New Philadelphia, Ohio (WTUZ) – Among the 12 most wanted fugitives for the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is a Canton man. 29-year-old Christopher Terry is being sought by the Canton Police Department and the U.S. Marshals for Rape. He is accused of using a firearm to force his victim to engage in a sexual act. Officials note Terry is believed to have connections throughout Canton and here in Tuscarawas County in New Philadelphia. All fugitives listed on the “Dangerous Dozen” should be considered dangerous individuals and should not be approached by the general public. - Michaela Madison Reporting

Trinity Hospital Twin City Volunteers to Hold Plant Sale
Dennison, Ohio (WTUZ) – Trinity Hospital Twin City’s United Volunteer Auxiliary is hosting a plant sale to benefit the hospital. Eight different varieties of plants can be ordered, including Boston ferns, fuschias, geraniums with ivy, upright geraniums, Callies/million bells, and more. Flowering plants are also available in several colors. Each plant is $15 and orders can be placed in person at the Trinity Hospital Twin City Coffee Bar and Gift Shop, or by calling 740-922-7450 ext. 2124. Orders can be placed until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28th. Payment is due when the order is placed, with pickup between noon and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 5th at McCluskey Park in Dennison. -Michaela Madison Reporting

Former Police Officer Sentenced for False Report
New Philadelphia (WTUZ) – A former Newcomerstown police officer accused of falsifying a shooting receives reserved sentences and probation periods. Bryan Eubanks, a 14-year police officer, appeared before Judge Edward O’Farrell Monday afternoon for sentencing, subsequently apologizing for the false story from the 2017 incident where Eubanks insisted he was shot during a traffic stop. Attorney Christian Stricken, with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, asked for a prison term due to Eubanks actions of clearly identifying a false suspect and disassembling the gun he carried in his boot. “It gives us all pause to think about the fact that he did that. What would have happened if that person was pulled over. What the police know about this person, thanks to this defendant, was he had shot a police officer and he also had a drug lab in the back seat so any police officer pulling somebody over like that would definitely be on guard, and that would put everybody at risk unnecessarily. He obviously lied to his supervisors.” Defense Attorney Lawrence Whitney argued that Eubanks had no recollection of the claimed incident or no memory from April 11th to the 18th due to Eubanks suffering from PTSD. “He doesn’t know what is real and what isn’t really. This is something his mind conjured up. That’s why it’s so bizarre cause he doesn’t know, is this real is it not real, was there a car there, he knew he got shot but he doesn’t know what’s real and isn’t real. Eubanks stated that prior to the incident he had been under strain and having night-terrors, where he would wake-up not knowing where he was. “My doctor said the nightmares will never fully go away. My family has been a big help. I’ve been surrounded by a good family and good people in the community. A lot of support. I’ve been a part of some groups now. I apologize for what I’ve done. I’ve never been through anything like this. For the people that know me, they know that this isn’t me. I didn’t understand what was going on with me and I thought, if I go to get help they’re going to think I’m crazy.” Judge O’Farrell imposed the sentence of 90 days in the Tuscarawas County Jail, two-year community control sanctions, 500 community services hours served in Newcomerstown, and a fine of almost $2,000 to the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office for investigation time. - Mary Alice Reporting

Home Repair Grants Issued to Local Agencies
New Philadelphia (WTUZ) – Two agencies serving Tuscarawas County were awarded grant funding to help low-income residents with home repairs or handicap upgrades. Ohio Development Services Public Information Officer Penny Martin says that the agency distributed $5.5 million to 22 organizations. Among those, the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development (COAD) received $467,800 in funding. Also, in Tuscarawas County, the Society for Equal Access Independent Living Center was awarded $278,300. “Just like COAD, they will be identifying Ohioan who need help with emergency home repair. It’s an income eligibility program and each individual agency might have other information that they need when you apply.” For more information about the COAD program, call HARCATUS Tri-County C.A.O. at 740-922-0933 or visit www.coadinc.org/community-development. To learn more about the Living Center, call 330-343-9292 or visit www.seailc.org/independent-living. - Mary Alice Reporting

Judge Recuses Herself in Local Stabbing Case
New Philadelphia (WTUZ) - A visiting judge will preside over a case involving a stabbing in the city of Dover. New Philadelphia Municipal Judge Nanette DeGarmo VonAllman recused herself from the proceedings for 37-year-old Joshua Barron after seeing a social media post about a fundraiser for the victim. Barron is accused of stabbing 30-year-old Nick Hershberger in a parking lot in the 200 block of N. Tuscarawas Avenue on Saturday, February 3rd. He’s been charged with felonious assault, which is a second-degree felony with a possible sentence of two to eight years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines. Carroll County Municipal Judge Gary Willen has been assigned to preside over Barron’s preliminary hearing on Tuesday, February 13th. The case may be bound over to the Tuscarawas County Grand Jury.

Trial Set for Co-Defendant in Newcomerstown Murder
New Philadelphia (WTUZ) – The trial date is set for one of three men charged in the 2017 death of 19-year-old Luke Cabbage. 20-year-old Jordan Robinson is charged with aggravated murder, murder, involuntary manslaughter, aggravated robbery, conspiracy and evidence tampering stemming from the murder in Newcomerstown back in September. His jury trial before Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Judge Edward O’Farrell is set to begin on April 17th. Co-defendant Kyle Boyd is set to go to trial on March 13th on charges of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of conspiracy. The third co-defendant and accused gunman, 19-year-old Arnoldo Moreno-Orduno, is serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 25 years. Boyd and Robinson are free on personal recognizance bonds with court restrictions on activities. - Michaela Madison Reporting

Tips to Avoid Tax Scams
Ohio (WTUZ) – With tax season upon us, Ohio’s Attorney General is sending safety reminders about money scams. Ryan Lippe, with the AG’s Consumer Education Unit, says that if you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS or a police department demanding payment, to take a moment and ask yourself if this would really happen from the organization. Lippe encourages anyone who receives a call like this to ask for written information about the debt, and if the caller refuses, it’s likely a scam. “Scam artists often have elaborate stories and often pose as other people. Scam artists often pose as government or law enforcement officials to get you to reveal personal information. Never provide payment by wire transfer or prepaid money card to someone who calls you over the phone or contact you by email. Remember scammers can use technology called spoofing to hide or disguise the number that appears on your caller ID screen.” He notes if you’re in doubt to simply hang-up and call the organization using a number you know is legitimate. To learn more visit www.ohioprotects.org. - Mary Alice Reporting